anthropologists anonymous

I have a problem. [admitting it is the first step right?]

I'm obsessed with Anthropologie. it started a while ago, but took off last year when I realized there was a store close enough to stop by on my lunch break. since then my closet has been accumulating Anthro. it's where I picked up my red pants, a blazer or two, and this killer dress. I try to buy "investment pieces" that are more classic than trendy so they'll last me a while, and watch for sales because it can get pricey. but usually the quality of the piece makes it worth it.

since I just finished a 2-day purge of my wardrobe [nothing from Anthro in the donation pile, sorry Princeton thrifters] I thought it would be fun to share 3 of my recent purchases, which I plan to wear on my upcoming vacation to North Carolina. if you follow me on Pinterest these probably look familiar. [my "dream closet" board has turned into more of a shopping list  / styling inspiration board. more on that later.]

first: this incredibly comfortable and versatile dress. I have another Puella maxi [navy + white stripes] I bought last spring which I absolutely adore. at first I didn't think the maxi trend would work for me but that dress changed my mind. the fabric has held up well, so I knew this basic black number would be a great investment piece. I'm picturing it with a jean jacket + scarf for travel, gold belt + chunky turquoise necklace for sightseeing or dinner. I'm definitely going to be wearing this one all summer.

I also picked up these bubblegum pink shorts. they are super soft and such a flattering length. I've been in a weird limbo with shorts since I graduated college... I'm old enough to realize short-shorts are not appropriate, but bermuda shorts make me look 4 feet tall. these are the perfect in-between. long enough to be appropriate- no cheeks showing- but not momish. [sorry to the moms out there but you know what I mean] I have a feeling these are going to be the summer equivalent to my red pants. stripes, solids, chambray... anything goes. they also have these in regular blue jean which I think I need to invest in as well. right?

and finally, since it is a beach vacation, this newsprint bikini. I fell in love the moment I saw it. a little bit of a splurge for swimwear but once I put it on I knew it was worth every penny. black and white is classic, the pattern makes it fun but not so trendy it will be out of style next year, and the yellow trim pop of color is just... perfect.

vacation is in 3 weeks so until then I'll be dreaming up outfits and keeping my fingers crossed for lots of sun. and trying to keep myself from any more shopping.

some pin-spiration

my Pinterest obsession continues. I recently pinned quite a few vintagey things that I would LOVE to have and/or imitate in my house. but I don't have a house, so I pin them instead. here's a few things from my virtual redecorating spree:

this vintage typewriter

found via: le ballon rose

this amazing yellow dresser. [and maybe the chevron wall too.]

found via: Living with Lindsay

these chevron chairs... though not in the same room as the wall.

found via: kaminwilliams

this... entire shelf! I love the vintage camera and MI plate, 

but the tiny wooden NYC landmarks are my favorite.

found via: Kelle Hampton

this collage of old frames, photos, and clocks.

found via: apartment therapy

and this red car. vehicles can count as vintage home decor, 

since your garage is [technically] part of your house. right?

found via: Sarah Kate Photo

week 47: thankful

thankful for Husband... who will humor my request for a photo shoot in chilly Michigan weather. who will take test shots with me while I wait for the family to assemble. and who will make goofy faces and crack me up the entire time. I kinda like him.

packing + procrastination

I am the worst at packing. the worst. I take forever. I get anxious about not bringing the right things, because I always seem to end up forgetting something. or having wayyyy to much. I waste a lot of time washing things I don't end up packing, and trying on outfits.

so I'm happy to report my suitcase is full [minus what's drying overnight] and my sister's wedding gift is wrapped and in the car. I tried on about 12 thanksgiving dinner outfits before settling on the above. and I'm sure I won't wear half of what I've packed. but, I'm packed.

Beau was absolutely no help. when he wasn't napping, he was jumping in my clean laundry piles and hiding in my suitcase. or fighting with Rocky. they always get cranky when they know I'm leaving town. punks.

 for now it's time to relax... beverage and pedicure, chopped marathon on food network, maybe a little pinterest-ing. then a good night's sleep and a 10 hour drive back to MI!

in like a lion

today marks the start of a new month. the start of new habits forming. the start of my 1/2 marathon training. the start of positive thinking and the elimination of the word "can't" from my vocabulary. no doubting, no quitting. just kicking ass.

today, I woke up early. I went to the gym and ran. took the trash out on my way out the door. then cleaned the kitchen, made a smoothie for breakfast,  and packed a lunch. I killed a 10 hour workday and organized 137 sku's of finished goods standards.  pitched a whole lot of necessary junk.

instead of bemoaning all the issues I have to deal with, things I have to organize, and problems I have to solve... I'm going to own it. strong. powerful. fierce. that's right, March. I'm coming in like a lion. I'm even rocking a yellow scarf today.

yeah, a yellow scarf. me. imagine that.
I'm roaring back.